Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo platform by Square (now Square Enix), Chrono Trigger was the first JRPG I ever played. Borrowing my brother’s Super Nintendo, I immersed myself in the game on Saturday afternoons when I could enjoy playing alone, using the family TV in the living room. My brother had bought the US versions of several games that were not released in France, such as Final Fantasy VI, also by Square. However, Chrono Trigger had a much greater impact on me, primarily because the art designer, Akira Toriyama, is also the creator of Dragon Ball. This game is still regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, pushing the Super Nintendo’s capabilities to their limits.
Every aspect of Chrono Trigger makes it a must-play experience: the depth of its story, the development of its characters, its multiple endings, the iconic soundtrack, and its innovative battle system, which allowed characters to combine their skills to unleash powerful magic and abilities. There was even a hidden character whose sheer badassery added an extra layer of excitement. Playing Chrono Trigger felt like experiencing an anime, a thrill especially appreciated by those of us in France who grew up watching Japanese anime on TV during the ’80s and ’90s.
Grinding and Reflecting
I could spend hours talking about Chrono Trigger: the joy of leveling my characters to their maximum potential, symbolized by the star level (instead of the usual level 99 in other RPGs). It was my first experience of grinding in a video game, and I became obsessed with optimizing how to defeat the final boss in the shortest time possible.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: combining individual strengths can achieve extraordinary results. At One Daily Tale, we believe the diverse cultures of our world represent a vast, untapped brainstorming environment crucial for addressing global challenges. Unfortunately, inequity continues to plague our society, hindering the possibility of a united global effort.
Imagine a world where everyone’s basic needs—food, water, shelter, and electricity—are met. Once these fundamentals are addressed, underdeveloped nations could thrive and contribute to a globally thriving society, much like how the characters in Chrono Trigger unite their unique talents to achieve greatness.
Time, Humility, and the Bigger Picture
Chrono Trigger also explores time travel, a fascinating and complex theme. The characters hail not only from different regions of the world but also from different time periods, making collaboration a central theme of the game. Reflecting on time—both its vastness and our fleeting presence within it—can foster humility.
Humility is essential for cultivating curiosity and trying new things, which are key principles of a healthy brain. Recognizing that our actions ripple through time encourages us to make the most of our opportunities and strive to leave a positive impact.
Everyday Heroes
While Chrono Trigger is “just a game,” its silent protagonist leads by example. He is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary will to help others, eventually changing the course of history. His strength—both mental and physical—embodies what it takes to be a hero.
We, too, can become local heroes in our own ways: by educating the children around us through our actions, offering support to friends and family in need, and showing by example how to live with purpose and care.
What about you? Have you ever drawn inspiration from a game, book, or movie that made you reflect on life’s bigger picture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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